Slide 1

Getting Ahead of the Competition

Ron Gonzalez, MSN, MHA, RN

Slide 2

Exploring Options
The choice of the first nursing position deserves preparation
Consult an instructor or a trusted nursing mentor for input Review general interests, abilities, and strengths Consider long-term goals

Slide 3

Networking
Research potential employers; make connections Ask faculty/CSN grads Question nurses Explore websites of health care facilities

Explore the community

Review employment sections of newspapers, attend job fairs Join organizations

Slide 4

Cover Letter
Signify an interest in the employer selling yourself make them want to meet you Clean, direct, and on a single page Addressed to a specific person Single-spaced and 2-3 paragraphs
1st paragraph Intro; Im a new grad from CSN. Little about you. Where you want to work. 2nd paragraph note skills, why you want to work there, why you are a good fit for them, talk up their hospital 3rd paragraph I look forward to meeting with you.

Follow up

Slide 5

Resume
Education and employment history into a concise, easy-toread summary Limit 2-3 pages Four essential sections Identifying information: name, contact information Professional objectives can be a long term objective I want to be able to apply the skills I learned in nursing school to practice. Education in reverse chronological order; most recent first; includes high school Work experience go back 10-15 years, but remember not to make it too long; cut it to 10 if getting too long Education first as a new grad; but once you have RN experience you want to put work experience first Optional information make yourself stand out! ex. Awards, volunteer work, ACLS certification References available upon request dont put on resume! Get a minimum of 5. people who know how you are or how you function as a nurse; ex. Clinical instructor, Preceptor. Professional reference no family.

Slide 6

How to Interview Effectively

Plan ahead possible questions
Self-talk Rehearse dont memorize a script

Slide 7

Prepare for the Interview Itself

Dress appropriately
Arrive on time atleast 15 minutes early Bring a resume - panel

Slide 8

Eight of the Most Frequently Asked Questions

What positions interest you? Tell me about your work history. How did you choose to apply for a job here? Do you want a full-time or a part-time position, & what shift are you looking for? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What would you do if? Why should we hire you? What questions do you have?

Slide 9

Questions You Might Want to Ask

The recruiter should inform you of job descriptions, compensation, benefits, and staff development Examples of appropriate questions to ask: May I see the job description? How many patients are on the unit? What is the typical patient-ratio? How many patients will I be responsible for? How long is the orientation program? Time period for a new grad? How will my performance be evaluated? What will my salary be? What other benefits are there? What type of nursing is practiced (e.g., team, primary)? What will my schedule or shift be?

Slide 10

Assess the Climate of the Work Environment

Slide 11
Tone of respect and pride through the organization In the hallways, do people acknowledge each other? Do the employees seem friendly/courteous/smiling, or unhappy/grumpy?

Slide 12
Orientation

Decision Making
Nurse-patient ratio

Opportunities for advancement

Competitive salary Benefits such as continuing education; CEUs

Slide 13

Follow-Up
Send a thank-you letter
Demonstrates courtesy and helps you stand out Make it personal, mention something significant from interview Email is fine if you have it Dont keep going back day after day

Avoid impulsive decisions Do not feel pressured ask to have time for a decision
Compare other job offers

Slide 14

The Employers Tasks

Determine qualifications: meets the minimum requirements; background check

Validate applications: Pre-employment skills testing: